I recently inspected a squeaking floating laminate floor. The installers had returned after the initial installation because the homeowner complained about all the noise. They pulled up the new floor and floated (leveled) the concrete slab underneath. When they reinstalled the laminate, they made sure the expansion gaps between the walls and the laminate were to specifications. But the floor still squeaked, so I was called out to see what was wrong. (more…)

Floating floors (those not nailed or glued down) can make noise when walked upon. You might hear squeaking, snapping, popping, or crackling sounds. Sometimes the sounds are throughout the installation. Sometimes the sounds are in localized areas. They might be apparent all year long. Or the noises might occur only during certain seasons. Manufacturers often automatically turn down a claim for a noisy floor. One major manufacturer states in its warranty that squeaky floors, whether laminate or engineered wood, are not manufacturing related. I recently looked at a laminate flooring installation that is a perfect example of why manufacturers take this position.

A high-quality laminate had been installed over a concrete subfloor, replacing the existing carpet. The installers had not checked the subfloor for unevenness. They placed a thin high density cushion over the concrete. Then they installed the floating laminate flooring. The homeowner noticed squeaking shortly thereafter.

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Glenn Revere is a nationally recognized Carpet Inspector who has dedicated his life to the study, maintenance, and sales of carpets. He specializes in carpet, laminate, hardwood, and engineered flooring. Glenn consults for individuals, manufacturers, and installers.